Galaxy take on Timbers

Update: Did the Galaxy (5-3-5) finally build some momentum with a 1-0 road win over San Jose? Portland (4-5-8) will provide a test, though, since the Timbers have won four consecutive games on the road. The Galaxy and Timbers are tied for sixth place in the Western Conference, but the Galaxy have played four fewer games. ... It remains to be seen when defender Omar Gonzalez returns from U.S. national team duty, but the Galaxy have been encouraged by the play of Tommy Meyer in central defense. Meyer has started five of the past six games. ... Gyasi Zardes scored his sixth goal of the season and goalkeeper Jaime Penedo had his second shutout of the season in the win over San Jose. Penedo has a goals-against average of 0.91 in 11 games this season, the second-best mark in MLS play. ... This is the first of a three-game homestand for the Galaxy. ... Maximiliano Urruti and Gaston Fernandez have scored six goals apiece to lead the Timbers this season.